• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.45-55
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• 2024

This study analyzed the efficiency determinants of specialty construction companies by industry using the DEA model and the Tobit model. The analysis targets are 394 specialty construction companies as of 2022. As a result of analysis of efficiency determinants using 12 company characteristics as independent variables, the biggest problem for specialty construction companies was overall efficiency reduction due to rising labor costs. In addition, in a situation where construction companies' loan regulations are severe, the debt ratio was found to have a positive effect on efficiency. Company size had a different impact by industry, and the number of businesses held, credit score, and total capital turnover had an effect only on some industries. This study presents results that are an advance on existing research in that it strategically analyzes factors for improving the efficiency of specialty construction companies. However, it has limitations such as limiting the analysis to only specialty construction companies subject to external audit, insufficient number of companies subject to analysis by industry, and analyzing relative efficiency in the same category for each industry.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.1
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• pp.51-65
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• 2024

Phyto-sociological methods were used in this study to assess the vegetation structure of a forest stand at Mt. Goehwa in Sejong-Si with the aim of providing vegetation information for urban forest utilization and management plans. The actual forest vegetation was classified into two types of community groups (Quercus serrata-Lindera obtusiloba and Coreopsis lanceolata community groups) at the highest hierarchical level. The Q. serrata-L. obtusiloba community group was classified into six units, which included artificial forest and natural forest vegetation. Artificial forests were classified into three communities (Pinus rigida, Castanea crenata, and Robinia pseudoacacia), whereas natural forests were classified into three communities (Quercus variabilis, Quercus acutissimaa, and Pinus densiflora). The Coreopsis lanceolata community group, which exhibited vegetative characteristics of urban forest edge areas, was categorized into four units. The urban forest edges were classified into four communities (Indigofera bungeana, Lespedeza bicolor, Amorpha fruticosa, and Lespedeza cuneata). Accordingly, the vegetation structure of Mt. Goehwa was categorized into 10 vegetation unit systems. An importance value analysis showed the highest importance value for C. crenata at 6.7%, followed by P. rigida at 6.4%, and R. pseudoacacia at 6.3%, indicating that the ecological impact of plantation species can be significant on Mt. Goehwa. A community coefficient of similarity analysis revealed that the artificial and natural forests had similar species compositions; however, both forests differed from the urban forest edge. This variation was further confirmed by Detrended correspondence analysis(DCA), with similar results. Canonical correspondence analysis(CCA) showed that the artificial forest and natural forest community types were positively correlated with altitude, bare rock, and the present species. By contrast, the urban forest edge community types were negatively correlated with these factors.

• Clean Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2024

Nanoplastics (NP) exhibit distinct material properties compared to microplastics (MP), necessitating their separate recognition. Review of research outcomes and policy documents on NP reveals that most policy frameworks predominantly define MPs as solid synthetic polymer materials measuring 5 mm or less, but do not distinguish them from NP. However, recent revisions in regulations by the EU classify NPs as particles that range in size from 1 to 1,000 nm, as confirmed by some academic studies. Research on NPs often relies on experimental investigations centered around water systems, with a focus on high-concentration experimental conditions using spherical polystyrene-based NPs in behavior and impact studies. Notably, the environmental behavior characteristics of NP show differences in influence depending on the NP type, emphasizing the need for field simulation research. These challenges are mirrored in Korean society, so it is necessary to redefine NP to be distinct from MP in both research and policy. This study aimed to assess the current state of NP management globally and domestically and highlight policy considerations and issues in the existing response to NP. Upon comprehensive review, it becomes apparent that reaching an international agreement on MP faces methodological limitations, which could potentially burden efforts to precisely define NP size. Therefore, referencing the EU's recent regulatory revisions is crucial in domestic policy. Specific adjustments should commence from the MP concept through insights from the domestic industry, guidance from the academic community, and thorough discussions to ensure social acceptance.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.129-144
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• 2023

The PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 samples were collected synchronously using a single channel particulate sampler equipped with PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 cyclones, respectively, and seasonal mass concentration and chemical composition of PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 were quantified in Seoul and Gwangju in 2021-2022. The mass concentrations of PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 were 17±11 and 22±14 ㎍/m³ in Seoul, and 16±9 and 19±12 ㎍/m³ in Gwangju, respectively. The average ratios of PM_1.0/PM_2.5 were 83±16% in Seoul and 83±7% in Gwangju. The chemical compositions of PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 were similar at both sites with OC component being the most dominant, and NO₃^- increasing from summer to winter, while, the difference of chemical distribution at the two sites was most distinct in the autumn. Gwangju showed a higher proportion of OC and a lower proportion of NO₃^- compared to Seoul during the autumn. Both sites appear to reflect their urban characteristics, with Gwangju also reflecting the impact of biomass combustion as a part of rural activities.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.235-244
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• 2024

This study is a descriptive exploratory research aimed at identifying factors influencing the health-related quality of life(HRQOL) in middle-aged and senior-aged patients with complex chronic diseases. The study participants were extracted from the Korean Medical Panel annual data. A total of 2,408 patients, with two or more chronic diseases were included. The data were analyzed using STATA 15.0 software through descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. The research findings indicate that in middle-aged patients, educational level, household income, economic activity, stress, experience of despair, and basic needs satisfaction positively influence health-related quality of life. On the other hand, types of medical insurance, depressive feelings, and suicidal ideation exert a negative impact. In the case of senior-aged patients, positive influences on health-related quality of life were observed for educational level, household income, economic activity, alcohol consumption, stress, experience of despair, and basic needs satisfaction. Conversely, negative influences were noted for marital status, types of medical insurance, depressive feelings, and suicidal ideation. Therefore, in order to enhance the HRQOL for middle-aged and senior-aged patients with complex chronic diseases, tailored policies considering individual and age-specific characteristics should be formulated.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.551-557
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• 2024

Early childhood cultural and artistic education is a process of expressing oneself and understanding society, which has a great impact on the lives of young children. It utilizes the principle of individualization, which means that individual diversity should be considered because each toddler has different developmental characteristics; the principle of play-centeredness, which means that toddlers form active attitudes toward experiential activities through enjoyment through play; the principle of integration, which is the foundation for holistic development; and the principle of direct experience, which means that toddlers have the experience of touching and manipulating materials. In the introduction, children are encouraged to explore and think about materials, read and share books together, and express their thoughts creatively through artistic expressions such as art, music, physical expression, drama, movies, and photography in the first and second phases. In the final stage, a teaching and learning plan was developed that consisted of a circle time for the children to share their opinions with each other in the process of appreciating the results created by the children and presenting their thoughts. As the educational effectiveness of early childhood cultural arts education is best developed in the early childhood period, when learning is emphasized by children exploring according to their interests, this study presented a learning guidance plan that reflects various educational methods and genre convergence education that can be applied to early childhood cultural arts education.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.209-222
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• 2024

The Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is widely used for underground tunnel construction for its advantages, such as eliminating the need for additional facilities compared to the slurry shield TBM, which requires Slurry Treatment Plant (STP). During EPB shield TBM excavation, a soil conditioning technique is employed to enhance the physical properties of the excavated soil by injecting additives, thus broadening the range of applicable ground conditions to EPB shield TBMs. This study explored the use of xanthan gum, a type of biopolymer, as an alternative to the commonly used polymer additive. Biopolymers, derived from biological sources, are fully biodegradable. In contrast to traditional polymers such as polyacrylic acid, which contain environmentally harmful components, xanthan gum is gaining attention as an eco-friendly material due to its minimal toxicity and environmental impact. Test conditions with similar workability were established through slump tests, and the rheological characteristics were assessed using a laboratory pressurized vane shear test apparatus. The experiments demonstrated that, despite exhibiting similar workability, the peak strength in the flow curve decreased with increasing the content of xanthan gum. Consequently, a correlation between the xanthan gum content and peak strength was established. Replacing the traditional polymers with xanthan gum could enable stable EPB shield TBM operation by reducing equipment load, in addition to offering environmental benefits.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.97-107
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• 2024

This study aims to identify the factors that affect customer satisfaction as the market growth of rental subscription services for living environment home appliances increases. Unlike previous research, which focused on online subscriptions (e.g., digital content, over-the-top (OTT) services, e-books, and mobile devices), this study expands the scope to include rental subscriptions for household environmental appliances. Specifically, this study analyzes the factors influencing customer satisfaction among rental subscription service users by examining the effects of perceived usefulness, reliability, and convenience. The results show that users' perceived reliability and convenience of rental subscription services for living environment home appliances significantly affect customer satisfaction. Perceived usefulness, however, was not found to have a significant impact, as it is an abstract and subjective customer aspect. The implications of the results are as follows: First, standardized services must be strengthened to increase the reliability of rental subscription services. Additionally, it is necessary to improve convenience by developing additional services when managing regular visits tailored to the characteristics of each product. Providing customized services by integrating products and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). Furthermore, effective customer management to increase customer satisfaction is crucial, as it can lead to cross-selling and up-selling opportunities. Lastly, venture start-ups should actively apply a subscription service business model.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.123-133
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: Atherectomy as a pretreatment has the potential to improve the outcomes of drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment by reducing and modifying atherosclerotic plaques. The present study investigated the outcomes of atherectomy plus DCB (A+DCB) compared with DCB alone for the treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease. Methods: A total of 311 patients (348 limbs) underwent endovascular therapy using DCB for native femoropopliteal artery lesions at two endovascular centers. Of these, 82 limbs were treated with A+DCB and 266 limbs with DCB alone. After propensity score matching based on clinical and lesion characteristics, a total of 82 pairs was compared for immediate and mid-term outcomes. Results: For the matched study groups, the lesion length was 172.7±111.2 mm, and severe calcification was observed in 43.3%. The technical success rate was higher in the A+DCB group than in the DCB group (80.5% vs. 62.2%, p=0.015). However, the A+DCB group showed more procedure-related minor complications (37.0% vs. 13.4%, p=0.047). At 2-year follow-up, primary clinical patency (73.8% vs. 82.6%, p=0.158) and the target lesion revascularization (TLR)-free survival (84.3% vs. 88.2%, p=0.261) did not differ between the two groups. In Cox proportional hazard analysis, atherectomy showed no significant impact on the outcome of DCB treatments. Conclusions: The pretreatment with atherectomy improved technical success of DCB treatment; however, it was associated with increased minor complications. In this study, A+DCB showed no clinical benefit in terms of TLR-free survival or clinical patency compared with DCB treatment alone.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.69 no.2
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• pp.78-87
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• 2024

The risk of global warming is increasing due to rapid climate change and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the greenhouse gases, methane has a strong warming effect; in particular, 51.2% of the agricultural sector's methane emissions are from flooded rice fields. According to the current standard rice cultivation method, rice is grown during the maximum tillering stage with an intermittent drainage period of approximately 2 weeks. During the flooding period, methane-producing bacteria are active, but the activity of methane-producing bacteria and the amount of methane gas produced are reduced when the soil becomes oxidized through watering. Accordingly, this study used multiple-sensing technology to analyze the growth response according to the intermittent drainage period and to identify the extended intermittent drainage period with less impact on rice production. The equipment used for growth observations included NDVI, PRI, and IR sensors. The results confirmed that growth indices related to stress, such as NDVI and PRI, were not significantly different from those of the control when treated within 3 weeks of drainage, but drastically decreased when the drainage period was extended beyond 4 weeks. These results appear to result from the fact that soil water content (volumetric water content) also dropped to below 20% 4 weeks after irrigation, creating actual drought stress conditions. The 22^nd day after treatment, when the soil moisture content reached 20%, was considered the point in time when drought stress conditions were formed. The point at which the SPAD value decreased to 0.6% of normal was estimated to be 23.5 days after treatment by using the regression equation between NDVI and SPAD.